Facing Adversity on the South American Epic Cycling Expedition

A few days ago, the cyclists started the day by climbing over 1700m in the first 35 km of stage 10. The first 18 km were on a gravel road with rough, steep sections. The temperatures when they reached the 4055m pass were at around 7C with strong wind gusts. Some of them were able to overcome the steep climbs, rough roads and challenging weather to descend on a narrow but smoothly paved road with gentle curves and light traffic to reach camp. Others struggled mightily on the first ascent and got a lift to the finish line.

The story of this tour started out not in the mountains but in the lowlands of the Caribbean coast in Cartagena. We were tested early – the humidity and intense heat followed us through the first 5 stages. It was a constant challenge to stay hydrated and consume enough fuel to keep us pedalling through the sweltering heat. The lack of cool breezes made the humid air claustrophobic. We were relieved to cycle early each morning as it was the only way to generate a breeze and lower our temperatures.

“How did you sleep?“, I asked Katie, from the UK on our 3rd morning “Terrible!” she replied with a big smile on her face, spooning oatmeal into her bowl. Adversity has come in waves and the riders are handling it as best they can. Are they tired and frustrated at times? Of course, but this group is staying positive and looking ahead to the next challenge. Andrew commented that the stage leaving Medellin (stage 8), was the best morning of riding he’d ever had. Marie-Josee from Quebec said that even when she is tired and struggling up a climb, she remembers to stop and look around at the beautiful scenery we are riding through. Carolina, the tour’s leader, ran her pre-dinner meeting asking how riders were feeling after a very hard day. She then laid out the details for the next stage saying, “tomorrow is not an easy day.”

She was right. Although it started with a long descent, the stage ended with an equally long climb that culminated with a vicious thunderstorm towards the end of the ride. When Joanne had a mechanical issue early in the ride, there was a group of riders (among them some of our slower riders) that pulled over and helped her resolve the leaking valve – lending her their pumps and expertise and helping to inflate her tire. What made yesterday and today and all the days so far a success had nothing to do with how many completed the stage, or how fast or slow they rode, but rather the attitude and the resolve among the group. When riders chose to stop and assist their fellow rider on the roadside, they were making their own day a little longer, but they were increasing the chances that the group moved forward as a team.

The rain in our humble camp on the edge of Viani has stopped now and there are beer and snacks for sale. The owner performed some traditional horn and drum music as we ate our dinner. Riders have set up their tents under a simple tin roofed shelter and lights have gone out before 9pm with everyone resting up for yet another day on the road.

RELATED
TOUR

South American Epic

This challenging expedition offers you the best opportunity to explore the vastness and diversity of South America by bike. In keeping with the TDA...